The issue of railway safety in Spain is once again in the spotlight following a series of serious accidents and incidents. The absence of an independent body responsible for investigating such events directly impacts the quality and transparency of inquiries. For millions of Spaniards who use trains daily, this is not just a bureaucratic problem—it’s a matter of trust in the system and personal safety.
According to a law passed in the summer of 2024, the country was supposed to establish a new independent structure responsible for technical investigations of accidents on railways, as well as in aviation and at sea. However, despite clear deadlines, the process of creating this body has essentially stalled. The Ministry of Transport has failed to fulfill its obligations, and neither the minister nor other government representatives have provided explanations for the delay.
A law without consequences
In August 2024, a law was published requiring the government to approve the charter and launch the work of a new independent commission within a year. This body was intended to replace the current Railway Accident Investigation Commission (CIAF), whose independence had previously raised concerns among European observers. However, the deadline has passed, and the charter has yet to be approved. As a result, investigations into tragedies such as the Adamuz disaster and the accident in Gelida are still being led by the old structures, whose objectivity and authority remain limited.
Public attention to this issue intensified following the tragedy on the high-speed line in Adamuz, as well as numerous disruptions and accidents in the Rodalies system, which affects hundreds of thousands of Catalonia residents every day. According to experts, a new independent body could not only analyze the causes of such incidents in greater depth, but also prevent them by responding to warning signs about infrastructure and track conditions.
Responsibility and consequences
Minister of Transport and Mobility Óscar Puente, appointed in November 2023, was supposed to initiate the launch of the new body. However, despite the deadline passing more than five months ago, no explanations have been given for the delay. The draft statute was submitted for public consultation, but nothing more has been heard about it since. The issue has not been raised either in parliament or at relevant committee meetings, puzzling both experts and the public.
The law clearly states that the new commission must consist of a chairperson and six advisors appointed by the government with parliament’s approval. Commission members are guaranteed independence and cannot be dismissed without serious grounds. A secretary general position is also provided, participating in commission activities without voting rights. This structure was intended to ensure maximum transparency and protection from political pressure.
The failed reform
A key feature of the new body is its expanded mandate: it is tasked not only with investigating accidents, but also analyzing incidents that could impact the safety of the entire system. Special protocols, access to any required documentation, and cooperation with other organizations have been provided for this purpose. However, the lack of funding and an unapproved charter have effectively blocked the launch of the reform.
Experts note that an independent body could have responded promptly to warnings from train drivers and engineers about the condition of tracks and equipment. In the case of Rodalies, where disruptions occur daily, intervention by such a commission might have prevented many problems. Currently, investigations are conducted under the old procedures, and trust in their outcomes remains low.
Financial deadlock
One of the reasons for the delay is the absence of an approved state budget that would allocate funding for the new body. Without financial backing, it is impossible to appoint staff or ensure the commission’s operation. Responsibility for this lies not only with the Ministry of Transport, but with the entire government, since it is the Council of Ministers that was supposed to approve the charter and allocate the funds.
Meanwhile, the crisis in the country’s railway system continues. In Barcelona, a major protest is being prepared to demand better service for commuter trains, while train drivers’ unions have announced a strike that could paralyze transport across Spain. Authorities are trying to prevent a collapse, but without reforming the accident investigation system, the situation remains unstable.
Context and new challenges
In previous reports, we provided an in-depth analysis of the political fallout from the Adamuz disaster and calls for the transport minister’s resignation. Back then, the focus was on accusations against the authorities and opposition reactions. Now it has become clear that the lack of an independent investigation only worsens the trust crisis. Read more about the political intrigues and demands addressed to the government in our dedicated report on political pressure.
In recent years, Spain has already faced high-profile railway accidents that sparked widespread public debate. After the tragedy in Angrois in 2013, European bodies pointed to the insufficient independence of investigations. At that time, the need for reforms was also discussed, but real changes dragged on for years. Similar situations have occurred in other EU countries, where the establishment of independent bodies has led to greater safety and increased trust in investigation results. In Spain, however, the issue remains unresolved, and each new incident only increases pressure on the authorities and highlights the need for reform.
